DESCRIPTION

The main theme is the Benedictus and the verse at the base explains this. The figure of the Risen and Glorified Christ in the centre light is the focal point and He is shown on the Tree of Life, forming a Cross behind him, while across the whole five lights is the Rainbow. At the top of the Tree is the ancient symbol of the Redemption, the Pelican feeding its young. The four panels, encircled by branches from the Tree contain scenes of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In the left-hand light is Spring and the background shows Southchurch Hall in the distance. Next, Summer, depicting haymaking with Prittlewell Church in the background. In the Autumn scene is the corn harvest and in the background a representation of Daines Farm. Finally, in the Winter scene people are depicted skating. At the top of the 1eft-hand light is St Cedd, a Saint particularly associated with this neighbourhood, and above him the Sun. In the corresponding light is St. Mellitus, Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury. Above him the Moon and Stars. In both these lights, behind the Saints, you wil1 observe the Four Winds of Heaven. In the inner two lights are two Seraphims. In the tracery are the two Archangels, St Michael and St.Gabriel. The centre panel here contains at the top, the Holy Spirit in the form of the Dove, surrounded by twelve stars, symbols of the Twelve Apostles, while below is the ancient emblem of the Trinity, to which this Church is dedicated. In the outer left-hand panel are the arms of Chelmsford and on the right, Canterbury. In the smaller pieces below are the emblems of the Passion and the Four Evangelists. The base of the window indicates the history of Southchurch. On the left-hand side are the Monks of Canterbury proceeding from the original Saxon Church and with them is Leofstan, the Saxon Thegn who presented the manor of Southchurch to Canterbury. Other Saxon people are represented. In the next light are figures of a fisherman and a brickmaker and in the distance the Oyster fishers. At the base of the Tree is an old shepherd with his sheep and dog. In the right-hand light you will notice the present Church which now supplants the old Saxon bui1ding The figures here are, of course, a Priest and a City man and girl and an agricultural labourer and a young sportsman, indicative of the changes from Saxon times. In the inner light here is a builder, a housewife and child and a modern brick-layer. In the distance can be seen a modern customer. In the centre base is the memorial inscription; " This window was erected to the Glory of God at Eastertide 1956 in loving memory of his parents Robert James Thorby. died 1931 and Julia Thorby., died 1942." February 1956.(This window was designed by Gerald E. R. Smith of the A. K. Nicholson Stained Glass Studios where it was wrought)
 

This is how the East window of the New Church looked before the Thorby Window was installed.